Dhaka: Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced today that officials who were assigned election duties in the last three elections will not be involved in the upcoming general polls. This decision aims to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and impartial manner.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during a briefing at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat, Jahangir emphasized the importance of refraining from assigning election duties to those who participated in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections. He assured that measures are being taken to prevent any disruptions to the peaceful conduct of the elections.
Responding to a question about his own future plans, Jahangir mentioned that with his children residing in the country, he has no intention of leaving. He also highlighted discussions from a core committee meeting focusing on law and order, which outlined several initiatives to improve the conduct of the upcoming national elections.
Jahangir disclosed that strict legal actions would be taken against individuals or groups attempting to create chaos around the elections. There is a coordinated effort to formulate an action plan with all stakeholders to ensure the elections are neutral and peaceful.
Instructions were given to Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Upazila Nirbahi Officers, and other officials to maintain impartiality. The deployment of CCTV cameras at risky polling stations and the use of body-worn cameras for law enforcement were among the security measures discussed.
Plans to enhance patrolling and intelligence surveillance were also highlighted, along with the swift completion of training for 1.5 lakh police personnel, 5.85 lakh Ansar personnel, 33,000 BGB personnel, and 80,000 armed forces members.
Jahangir addressed concerns about potential issues arising from the delimitation of boundaries for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections and noted a significant decrease in unexpected processions by the Awami League.
The situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts remains stable and under control, with law enforcement actively thwarting attempts to disrupt events such as the Durga Puja festival. Jahangir also reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking, advocating for the arrest of both drug carriers and masterminds.